Table 13: An addictive suspense thriller

by Mike McCrary

A gripping, fast-paced thriller for fans of Harlan Coben and Karin Slaughter.

They seemed like such a nice couple.

It was a typical evening at the restaurant. But when psychopaths show up for dinner, "typical" dies.

Hank Quinn moved to New York to chase his dream of becoming a writer. But he quickly finds that loneliness and lack of success aren't the worst things that can happen to a small-town kid in the big city. One night, during the dinner rush at the high-end restaurant where he works, his life takes an unimaginable turn.

The lovely, attractive couple seated at table 13 is not what they seem. They have a dark past and some even darker plans for Hank.

Hank desperately searches for a way out while the husband-and-wife killing team pulls him deeper into their world and their unspeakable crimes. As the nightmare unfolds, he learns about the chilling fate they have planned for him and the people he loves if he doesn't complete their sick, twisted tasks.

Can he stop them before it's too late? Can Hank survive their twisted agenda?

Table 13 is a heart-stopping suspense thriller that will keep you turning pages until you reach the shocking conclusion. If you like Harlan Coben and Karin Slaughter, you'll love best-selling author Mike McCrary's latest nail-biter.

What People Say About Mike McCrary

"Someone Savage delivers. Its mix of violence and secrets beautifully balanced with emotional depth and gorgeous prose kept me up, turning pages, late into the night." - Jess Lourey, Edgar-nominated author of Unspeakable Things

""Fast-paced and twisty, McCrary's latest is one you don't want to miss." — Vivian Barz, bestselling author or Forgotten Bones

"Dude... some kinda ride." - S.G. Redling, author of Flowertown, Baggage and At Risk

"Unmitigated energy... a Hollywood film in print form." - Austin American Statesman

"McCrary's prose practically bounces off the page ..." - Kirkus Reviews

"I honestly think I hate Mike McCrary... he goes beyond genre and writes a book that makes me read it because it is so well written." Goodreads Review

"Why oh why do I start a McCrary story after supper? Next thing I know, it's after midnight and I'm terrorized / bewildered / satisfied!" ★★★★★ Review

"I was hooked from page one." ★★★★★ Review

"It had everything and more." ★★★★★ Review

Genres: Thriller, Thriller Suspense, Ebooks

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2023

About the author

Mike McCrary is the bestselling author of Someone Savage, Relentless, and the Remo Cobb series. He's been a waiter, a dishwasher, investment analyst, and an unpaid Hollywood intern. He's quit corporate America, come back, been fired, been promoted, been fired again. Currently, he writes stories about questionable people who make questionable decisions. Keep up with Mike at www.mikemccrary.com.

"Mike McCrary is definitely a writer to watch." - John Rector, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Ridge, Already Gone, and The Cold Kiss.

"It's almost inhuman how frequently and effectively this book ups the ante on the reader." - Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse

“… a Hollywood action film in print form.” – Austin Statesman

Reviews

[Ariane Baet · Rating 1 out of 5]

No fucking clue, just don’t

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sooo weird. In the end it even got more absurd, which was too much for me. The rest of the book was good tho!
3.5/5

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that when I read the last page of this book I had to sit a minute and gather myself to try and figure out exactly what I had been involved with. It was intense, mind-blowing, diabolical, unstoppable, and the true personification of evil. I think all of that hit so much harder for me because the book starts out fairly easily. Because of the Prologue, we know something bad is going to happen, but for a while, everything is smooth sailing. Then the bottom falls out of Hank's world in a BIG way. And then came the ending and that's where the story lost me. I'm an "everything tied up in a pretty bow" kind of girl and this ending left too many unanswered questions for me. I would have preferred at least a somewhat positive ending for Hank, but I don't feel he got anything. A bit disappointing.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.

[Samantha Creasey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is awful. The mystery of it all pulls you in but the conclusion is not worth it. And the more you read the more unlikable the main character is. His OBSESSION with the girl he went on 1 date with is weird Would not recommend

[mildred_reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.25 ⭐️ as didn’t DNF. But. Yikes, that’s a no from me. I’m sorry but what did I just read. If it weren’t for my shear stubbornness, this would have been a DNF.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike McCrary's Table 13 has an intriguing premise, and it's a fast-paced read. There's an intensity from the beginning, and you can't help but feel sorry for Hank as his desperation grows. That said, I prefer my thrillers a little less predictable. It's not without some shocking moments, and there are a couple of good twists along the way, but more often than not, it was just a bit too easy to guess what was coming or at least some part of it. I feel like this one is more about the heart pumping, holy moly, this couple is crazy kind of intensity than the kind of thriller that keeps you guessing. The book has a vibe that made me think of Natural Born Killers and maybe a little bit of Stephen King thrillers in the sense that not everything is tied up in a neat little bow so you can sleep easy after the last page has been turned. It's the kind of story that leaves you wondering how many cold-blooded killers are out there at any given time.
McCrary has an interesting writing style that I don't recall seeing before. I kept thinking it needed a better variation of the sentences. A lot of the sentences are pretty short, and it made things somewhat stilted. I could be wrong, but I get the feeling it was done that way on purpose because of the pacing, and I may be the only one, but it didn't work very well for me
All things considered, I'd have to say this thriller probably landed in the wrong lap. It's not really what I expected. I do think this book has a lot of appeal for those who like this type of thriller. As for me, I liked it well enough. It's not something I'd read more than once, but it is worth the read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a thriller and horror at the same time

The story is as strange as the couple Nathan and Gina. The more Hank observes the couple, they seem on the edge of violence. They place the thought of the chef being disrespectful, and Hank doesn't have to 'put up' with it. Murder number 2. Nathan and Gina blackmails Hank after he's killed the chef. He flees the couple but crashes his car, but they find him. He is kept drugged and is set up. He kills two men in self defense. Gina and Nathan recorded the episode. 3&4.

The whole thing becomes clear. A small sentence was made casually as he was chatting with them while serving their table would lead to the nightmare. Nathan and Gina kill for money and because they like it.

They have implied that Hank is an accessory to all the crimes. They tell Hank, "he is the plan."
They want a chronicler of Nathan and Gina's life. Nathan wants a testament for all to read.

They kidnap Hank and make it impossible for him to do anything except spend what seems like weeks writing. The agents love the book.

The whole story is a "horror" to Hank. For many reasons.

After Nathan dies, Hank comes to his cousin's apartment, and Spartacus rubs up to him. It's only ten days. He finds a badge with rolls of cash, the Glock, and clothes.

He returns to work afterward one day and he sees his mother with a baby. Gina, with her new man, catches Hank's eye.
And...

Um, this book has violence and suggests sexual activity.
I would recommend this book to those aged 21 and older.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lean into the rat-a-tat-tat. Follow the staccato rhythm. Mike McCrary has written a story that is reminiscent of the clipped dialogue of classic noir or Dragnet on TV. Except with a very modern story.
Hank is a waiter in NYC, working at a very nice restaurant. He works with Maggie/Mags, the hostess at the restaurant. They went out for drinks once. He is hoping for a real date. The chef is an out of control egomaniac that doesn't want to work with country bumpkin Hank because of Hank's Texas accent. Hank wishes the chef would die.
Gina and Nathan are semi regular customers that always request that Hank serves them at Table 13.
I am not telling you anything more about the story except you need to read it.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Being honest, I rarely read books like this but I think I have read almost every Mike McCrary book because of his story telling.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read, I could not put this book down. Hank Quinn is so out of sorts after meeting the couple at Table 13 in the fancy, bourgeois restaurant where he is employed. The couple always requests Hank for their table. While being personable is part of his work, this book has me wondering if just sharing a little background about yourself may be too much information. The couple are not what they appear to be, nor what Hank imagined. The confusion, mayhem, murder, havoc and turmoil that ensues his life upon encountering them is unfathomable and just when he thinks he can resume a sense of normalcy, enter mom (with the look Hank understands on her face) and a child. Honey hush, insanity at the highest level. Excellent read.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : e-book )
"Believe in us, in our plan."
An intriguing book which throws the reader into the heart of it before returning to the beginning. Goo, immediate writing tells the story of Henry Quinn, working as a waiter in a An upmarket restaurant in New York. He had no money, no no apartment of his own, no book and no girlfriend, though he did have a longing to change that. What he did have was a high tipping couple who always asked for him to serve them when erratic they came in to eat, always at table 13. Because what he didn't know was that he was part of their plan.

Suspend disbelief and enjoy this action packcd, roller coaster of a story.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to give this book a high rating. It was a real thrill ride. On the edge of your seat, gritting teeth, diabolical tale of an unbelievable nightmare. The only slightly negative thing about the book was that the ending was a little bit weak. There was a lot of unanswered questions. but for the time I read this and the compelling nature of the book that kept wanting me to read more and more I have to give it a good score. have to think of it as a great roller coaster ride where you are thrilled and excited during but when you reach the end, you get a little letdown feeling. Like “That’s it?”

[Ferne Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Full of action, twists and turns. I loved the characters and the whole story line. Hank is a writer who came to New York to write his book. Meanwhile he is working as a waiter in a high-end restaurant. He has a regular couple that asks for him and for table 13 every time they come in. They get to know Hank a little bit and are very friendly, but Hank doesn't know they have plans for him, sinister plans. I also love the ending. If it was a movie, I would say they left it open for a sequel. It's a must read for mystery readers.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Table 13 - Another McCrary grade story, interesting and hard to put down! Don't let the slow start fool you, it does not take long to kick into gear. Good intriguing story lines with unbalanced characters you are not sure whether to hate or like them. I like the mom from Texas; she had sense and a good attitude. Pretty good ending since it could have gone differently or the usual typical ending for this genre. 4*

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The majority of chapters are written in the present tense, so readers read the narrative in real-time. A personal pleasant way to read since nothing in the future can be foreseen and readers learn what happens at the same time as the characters. The writing style is rigid, which sets the tone of the Hank's narrative. This is a suspenseful and psychological read.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put Table 13 down, I was hooked from the start where you are thrown straight into the action. The lovely couple at table 13 have big plans for Hank and he is thrown into a dark and twisted not so fun game. The characters are superbly presented and I didn't know whether I loved them or hated them. The storyline gripped me straight away and I loved that I was put immediately into the action. A fast paced suspense filled thriller with heart stopping action.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still trying to figure out what I read. I have flash backs to Stephen King’s Misery. The storyline was confusing to me. I never did figure it out. I couldn’t really connect nor relate to the characters. The ending made no sense to me. I just wanted more clarification and the author to pull me into the story. Will I read more from this author? Yes, I will.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Diane 🌻 Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

What a … strange book 😂😂

I really liked all of the characters, even those that I shouldn’t have, which I presume means that it was a well-written story.

There is really is no easy way to summarize this book without spoilers. It started really strong but then took a sharp left turn into “Crazyville”

Am I glad I read it? I’m not sure, tbh

Would I recommend it? Yes but with Trigger Warnings for a couple scenes of extreme violence.

[Cidney Houston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so utterly confused by this book. I came across it for free on a stuff your kindle day and I’m SOOO happy I didn’t spend money on it cause it was honestly terrible. There was no depth to the plot, I kept waiting for the story to hit and it just fell very flat to me. I was heavily disappointed since I’ve been really into the thrillers recently but there there was nothing thrilling about this one for me.

[Damita Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wild Ride

Hank just wants to be a writer. In the meantime he works I'm a restaurant like every struggling artist. He even has a favorite table, Table Thirteen. It's a very attractive couple who's always very nice to him and gives him huge tips.

But when he's in the bathroom one day, being yelled at by his boss, and Table Thirteen kills his boss right in front of him, it begins a wild ride of murder and fighting for his life.

I never expected that ending.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Table 13. Yes. Unlucky 13.
So. Hank has been kidnapped. He is forced/blackmailed into doing his kidnappers will. They are murderers, manipulators, psychopaths, strange. I felt so sorry for poor Hank. On the edge of my seat sweating for him. This book is different, well written, and very worth your time. I enjoyed.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank works in a restaurant and he meets a mysterious couple there. What he doesn’t know is that this couple is going change his life forever. An exciting and entertaining suspense thriller story. The story has great characters and a plot that is a thrill ride.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra Poindexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and captivating.

I enjoyed this bizarre twisted read. If you enjoy quirky, dark stories you'll like this one. The story kept my interest which is not easy when it comes to reading. I need a really good book to finish it quickly. I read this one over a couple of days, so it was captivating for me.

[C. Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boringly confusing - certainly not, for me, "addictive"!

I struggled to the end for no other reason than that I hate to admit defeat! However, I was increasingly skimming and scanning! I have given two stars, only because there was no blasphemy, and only a couple of typos!

I shall now proceed to forget the whole story!

[Jennifer]

Over the years, I’ve been better about shelving a crappy book and not finishing it…so tell me why I finished this crappy book?! I blame grad school for being distracted because I normally would’ve DNF’ed this mess about 50 pages in. Sigh. Well, at least it counts toward my reading challenge. There’s the silver lining.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank was chasing his dream of being a writer when he moved to New York. He found it to be anything but easy. Here he is being a waiter in a nice restaurant, and has a very nice, charming couple that requests his table and tips very well. Little did he know what they really are up to, but when he finds out, it is far from what he ever imagined.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It wasn’t as high energy or “thrilling,” as I anticipated, but it was a good read. It made me think about what could come next? What’s the point of what these characters are doing? The ending was a little anticlimactic for me, I expected more of a cliff hanger. While this review isn’t the best, it truly was a great read and I still give it four stars.

[Susan Dorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is preposterous. A humble waiter at a fancy restaurant becomes involved (involuntarily) with a killer couple, who decide he should write their story. None of the characters are very developed, so the reader doesn't really care about any of them. A twist at the end puts the cap on a poorly-written, crazy tale.

[Lesliane Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of unexpected twists and turns

There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns. It took me a little while to get into the story but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. I read the book in one seating.

[Michael S. Spadaro]

Best book I have read all year!!! it is an addictive suspense thriller !

Best book I have read all year!!! it is an addictive suspense thriller!! Couldn't wait to see how this book ends!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting as Hell

This book will keep you guessing, shock you, and make you think. It is intriguing how the mind works, and this read will make you wonder about what motivates people.